What happened

According to Dawn, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in Islamabad for a three-day official visit, during which the two countries signed 20 memorandums of understanding (MoUs). The event marks the first visit by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years and coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties established between the two nations in 1966.

During joint statements following bilateral and delegation-level talks, Shehbaz expressed a commitment to continuously strengthening long-term relations. The discussions covered economic and trade ties, strategic defence cooperation, technology, and support for Maldivian students and professionals in various fields, including health and education.

Key facts

  • Both nations agreed to raise bilateral trade from $13.9 million to $200 million within the next two years.
  • Pakistan will assist the Maldives' initiative to plant five million trees by providing 100,000 olive cuttings and 100,000 plant seeds.
  • Pakistan offered its expertise to help the Maldives build data centres, building on its own experience in the field.
  • Currently, 250 Pakistani doctors and paramedics serve in the Maldives, alongside Maldivian students studying in Pakistani colleges and universities.
  • The 20 signed MoUs cover areas such as maritime security and defence cooperation; full details are not specified in the source; please check the official notice.
  • President Muizzu was awarded an honorary doctorate in politics by the International Islamic University Islamabad.

Why it matters

According to Dawn, the leaders also addressed major international and regional matters. Shehbaz commended the Maldives' support for Palestine and reiterated Pakistan's stance regarding a peaceful resolution in Jammu and Kashmir based on United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Furthermore, Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan's serious concern over India's decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance in April 2025. Describing shared water resources as a vital lifeline and a red line, he cautioned that any violation of the treaty would be regarded by Pakistan as an act of war.

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Source: Dawn - Home · Published October 21, 2026 · Photo by Hongbin on Unsplash